September/October 2016

Ezine.com

ON THE TOWN

September/October 2016

Battle for Texas Park Plaza Hotel FOTOSeptiembre 1718 Steak House

Tuesday Musical Club Christopher Rodriguez Tobin Behind the Scenes Plus10 9 Additional Articles Plus September/October 2016 | On The Town 1

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Features

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Features Cont.

September and October open the 2016-17 performing arts season in grand style!

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Fall art exhibits range from nature to narratives

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San Antonio’s Tobin Center: The show 14 Yanaguana Indian Arts Market: A celebration 68 must go on of native art and culture at the Briscoe

Tuesday Musical Club presents its 2016-17 18 Artist Series. 94th season features an FOTOSEPTIEMBRE features new events driven 70 exceptional lineup of acclaimed musicians by young artists

Christopher Rodriguez, the Woodlawn’s 20 artistic director, hopes to make the theater the beacon of the Deco District

Sister Act: San Antonio design team produces 86 clothing line

Spanish Themes to open opera and ballet seasons

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1718 Steakhouse - The blending of two passions: history and food

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Departments

Mi Tierra: Celebrating 75 years of comida, cultura and familia

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Step back in time 100 years ago at the Park Plaza Hotel Seguin

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Events Calendar

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Book Talk: Robert Flynn, author and professor 76 Artistic Destination: Battle for Texas gives 82 Alamo story new life Out & About With Greg Harrison

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Lair Creative, LLC would not knowingly publish misleading or erroneous information in editorial content or in any adv appear under any circumstances. Additionally, content in this electronic magazine does not necessarily reflect the view mances and exhibits, it is recommended that all times and dates of such events be confirmed by the reader prior to at

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Cover Credits Contributors Front Cover Photo: Ballet San Antonio’s Don Quixote Photo by Alexander Devora Still Life Photography Performing Arts Cover Photo: Cabaret Photo by Joan Marcus

Mikel Allen creative director/ graphic designer Rudy Arispe

Christian Lair operations manager/ webmaster Kay Lair

Olivier J. Bourgoin (aka, Olivier the Wine Guy)

Susan A. Merkner copy editor

Events Calendar Cover Photo: Lewis Black Courtesy Majestic Theatre

Julie Catalano

Culinary Arts Cover Photo: © Nataliaspb | Dreamstime.com

Thomas Duhon

Cassandra Santos

Dan R. Goddard

Sara Selango

Greg Harrison staff photographer

Jasmina Wellinghoff

Visual Arts Cover Photo: FOTOSEPTIEMBRE Southown Exhibit Photo by Wendy Bird Photography

Carol Ross

Jenny Chowning

Literary Arts Cover Photo: © Sheilla Brown | Dreamstime.com Eclectics Cover Photo: Photo by Greg Harrison Out & About With Greg Harrison Cover Photo: Photo by Greg Harrison

OnTheTownEzine.com is published by Lair Creative, LLC 14122 Red Maple San Antonio, Texas 78247 210-771-8486 210-490-7950 (fax)

vertisement in On The Town Ezine.com, nor does it assume responsibility if this type of editorial or advertising should ws or opinions of the management of Lair Creative, LLC. Since On The Town Ezine.com features information on perforttendance. The publisher assumes no responsibility for changes in times, dates, venues, exhibitions or performances.

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Performing Arts 8-28

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September and October Open the 2016-17

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7 Performing Arts Season in Grand Style!

By Sara Selango

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..hen I browse through the performances listed in the events calendar of this magazine, I am amazed at the number of opportunities each of us has to enjoy incredible entertainment in San Antonio and the surrounding area. It’s to the point now that, without question, there is truly something for everyone.

My goal, as a writer, is to catalogue everything in order to make you aware of what’s available, in this case in the months of September and October.

include Disney’s® Beauty and the Beast at Playhouse San Antonio, Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s The House on Mango Street, Inherit the Wind at Circle Arts in New Braunfels, Lady Sings the Blues at the Harlequin, Boerne Community Theatre’s The 39 Steps and Sweeney Todd at the Woodlawn, In addition, Sheldon Vexler Theatre presents The Diary of Anne Frank while Playhouse 2000 takes Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None to center stage at the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater in Kerrville. Noises Off! by Fredericksburg Theater Where to start is always the challenge. This time around Company rounds things out.

I’m going to go with touring and community theater. The Sound of Music comes to town as a part of the North Park Please check the aforementioned events calendar in this Lexus Broadway at the Majestic series. Maria and the Von magazine for exact dates and show times.

Trapps take the stage for eight performances Sept. 1318. Next in line is Steve Solomon’s My Mother’s Italian, Moving to music, one on my all-time favorites highlights My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy. His one-man show opening night for the San Antonio Symphony. The inaugurates the 2016-17 Tobin Center Edge Series Sept. powerful Carmina Burana is featured Sept. 16-18 23-24 at the Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater. About a month with Sebastian Lang-Lessing conducting. Symphony later, Cabaret brings its tour to the Majestic Oct. 25-30.

Mastersingers and the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio lend their talents to the three concerts at H-E-B Community theater shines in September and October as Performance Hall at the Tobin Center. Brahm’s Piano well with such performances as Evita and The Foreigner Concerto No. 2 is next in the classical series Sept. 30at the Woodlawn and Sheldon Vexler respectively Oct. 1, at the H-E-B, with pianist Garrick Ohlsson. Langthrough Sept. 11. Openings in September and October Lessing once again conducts. Also on the agenda for the

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symphony in this time period is Off The Charts, a pops United Methodist. And that’s not all. presentation with Akiko Fujimoto conducting Sept. 2324. Soprano Dianne Penning and tenor Paul Langford SOLI Chamber Ensemble offers a double opportunity to experience Together Again Oct. 10-11, first at the Tobin’s highlight an evening of great number one hits.

Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater then at Ruth Taylor Recital Two other orchestras have performances in the months Hall on the Trinity campus. Also, Camerata San Antonio of September and October starting with the Sept. 11 returns with its Mozart Festival offering Oct. 14-16 at the season opener at Jackson Auditorium in Seguin for three venue locations previously mentioned. The next Mid-Texas Symphony under the direction of David evening Chamber Orchestra of San Antonio presents Mairs. Rach & Roll, a Symphony of the Hills concert, 20th Century Icons at the Alvarez Oct. 15 with Jose Luis follows at the Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater in Kerrville Gomez conducting.

Oct. 6. Pianist Donald Crandall is special guest and Eugene Dowdy conducts. Mid-Texas plays again Oct. Concluding things are Olmos Ensemble’s Eastern 16 at Canyon HS Auditorium in New Braunfels. Cellist European Spectacular Oct. 17 at Laurel Heights United Methodist, Danish String Quartet’s opening of San Christine Lamprea is featured.

Antonio Chamber Music Society’s season Oct. 23 at Even more classical music opportunities are offered. In Temple Beth-El and Tuesday Musical Club’s first concert order of appearance, they are: Camerata San Antonio’s of the new season showcasing mezzo-soprano Julie opening concert Sept.9-10 & 18 in Boerne, Kerrville Boulianne Oct. 25 at Laurel Heights Methodist. and San Antonio, Arts San Antonio’s presentation of Alessandro Deljavan at Ruth Taylor Recital Hall On the popular music side of things, tons of famous folks Sept. 10, Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio & Argenta Trio in are set to grace city and area stages in September and concert for Blanco Performing Arts Sept. 17 at Uptown October. Since I always like to name-drop, here are a few.

Ballroom and Fei-Fei Dong in a performance for At the Tobin, see Kansas, Duran Duran, Martina McBride, Fredericksburg Music Club Sept. 18 at Fredericksburg Donavan, John Sebastian, Kris Kristofferson, The B-52s, Il

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Divo and more. The Majestic offers Alice in Chains, Beach There is so much to see and enjoy. Get some tickets and go!

Boys, Smokey Robinson and Celtic Thunder.

Photo Credits: Other notables performing in and around town include Keith Urban at the Alamodome, Freddie Jackson at the Jo Long, Lewis Black at the Majestic, Trevor Noah at the Tobin, Rita Coolidge and Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone at the Brauntex in New Braunfels, Loretta Lynn at Gruene Hall, Tanya Tucker at Kerrville’s Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater and Demi Lovato with Nick Jonas at the AT&T Center. Oops, I almost forgot that Miranda Lambert and Maroon 5 are scheduled at the AT&T too.

I can’t close without mentioning Opera San Antonio’s two performances of Carmen at the H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Oct. 27 & 29 and Ballet San Antonio’s presentation of Don Quixote Oct. 14-16, also at the Tobin. Additional dance performances in the area include The Stepcrew at the Cailloux, Parsons Dance at the Tobin and Swan Lake as performed by the Russian Grand Ballet at the Majestic. Check the events calendar for dates and times.

Finally, congratulations to Guadalupe Dance Company on their 25th Anniversary as they celebrate with a performance of Celebrando Tradicional Oct. 16 at the Guadalupe Theatre.

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Pages 8-9: The Sound of Music Photo by Joan Marcus Page 10 (L-R) Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio Photo by La Bella Vita Photography Kris Kristofferson Courtesy Tobin Center Page 11 (L-R) Parsons Dance Courtesy Tobin Center Cabaret Photo by Joan Marcus Page 12 (L-R) Martina McBride Courtesy Tobin Center Smokey Robinson Courtesy Majestic Theatre

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Kendall Christopher Novosad 14 Kelley On The Town | September/October 2016

Shannon Phillips

Luis Torres

Aaron Zimmerman

SAN ANTONIO'S TOBIN CENTER:

The Show Must Go On

By Julie Catalano Photography Greg Harrison

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he Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio has enjoyed incredible success in its first two years, presenting and promoting thousands of performances and community events in a manner that from the outside appears almost effortless—but it isn't. It takes an overall staff of 34 full time employees, 300 part timers, and 700 volunteers to keep those wheels turning smoothly in some of the most diverse programming to be found anywhere.

a promoter. Booking is all I've ever done and all I ever wanted to do. My father played guitar, my sister played piano and sang, my brother played bass, but I was the family manager. When my twin sister played Annie in an eighth grade production, I was the spotlight operator.”

Favorite spot at the Tobin: “The convertible floor and the flexibility of this space is unique in that we can go from a flat floor to a seated configuration in 30 minutes.

Morrissey wanted the flat floor option with more of a club type atmosphere. That helped us to be able to book a show that sold out in twenty minutes.”

“The beauty of the Tobin Center is that we can go from Broadway to the San Antonio Symphony to Duran Duran and Trevor Noah,” said Aaron Zimmerman, vice president of programming and marketing. “Even better is that the Proudest moment: “Paul McCartney. It doesn't get any city and the people are supporting it.” bigger or better than that. I spent the better part of 18 months working on getting him for our opening Marketing to diverse audiences is the charge of a small celebration. It was absolutely the best thing I've ever but mighty marketing team under Zimmerman's watch. done. It was also the most stressful time of my entire “Christopher Novosad and Kelley Kendall are nothing professional career.” short of brilliant at what they do,” he said “but that doesn't mean they're doing the same thing for everybody. We Productivity tool: “I live on email and the calendar. We use have different audiences, so everything is localized and Ungerboeck, an integrated event management software tailored. The Tobin Center, and me personally, are blessed program that allows me to see what is going on at the to have such a great team.” seven spaces on site. I can see a date that has two or three holes in it and whoever comes to the table first gets it.”

AARON ZIMMERMAN, VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMMING AND MARKETING CHRISTOPHER NOVOSAD, MARKETING DIRECTOR Marketing team role: “My boss is the CEO, but to a certain Marketing team role: “Aaron books the shows and as soon degree every event we do starts in my office. It is my as they are confirmed we contact the show's team and responsibility to make sure that this building is being start a marketing plan. Our team is very communication utilized to its fullest extent. I'm the one booking the acts, conscious and we all have very full notebooks. We always but this is not a one-man show. Everyone works together cc each other so we know what everyone else is doing.” to make this happen.”

Proudest moment: “The building itself. I started here ten Typical workday: “My typical day is fairly boring. The months before the building opened.” majority of my time is at the computer and on the phone running show budgets, and talking to agents and show Typical workday: “As a small group, we're making sure managers. I read Broadway World, Rolling Stone, Access, that San Antonio knows what's happening. Luis [Torres] Spin, and Pollstar, a trade journal on the concert industry. is working on getting radio campaigns for Trevor Noah.

We fit shows in wherever we can, so the biggest challenge Kelley is working on our big open house. What is interesting of my job is calendar management.” here is that in addition to our regular subscription series and other series, we are constantly adding things. Shows Performing experience: “None. I went to school to be are coming and going in a continuous rolling process. We September/October 2016 | On The Town 15

getting a couple of radio interviews for a show, helped out with radio station proposals, promoted Duran Duran and Morrissey, got in touch with the PR people on the Not-so-secret strategy: “I go to most of the shows. I like tour, set up phone interviews. Walked around and to see if the mix of people I market to actually shows up, filled the boxes here at the center with our upcoming so I'll get behind the counter and sell T-shirts to talk with calendars.” people. I feel a bit of ownership here.”

Performing experience: “More than 22 years on air in Performing experience: “In high school I won all-star San Antonio radio. I started at KTSA/KTFM then spent cast for the Neil Simon play God's Favorite at a UIL the rest of my career at Cox Radio - 99.5 KISS. I have also done public speaking and voice work. Recently I got to competition.” be a talking refrigerator on a television commercial.”

Favorite Tobin performer: “Duran Duran, coming September 6-7. I've been a member of the Duran Duran Proudest moment: “When we were promoting Deepak Chopra in March of 2015, we held a free outdoor yoga fan club since 1984.” class on the plaza with Mobile Om. We ended up doing Favorite other than Duran Duran: “Lionel Ritchie. Boy a year of yoga on the plaza. University Health System picked up on it and now we have a free fitness program George [Culture Club] was amazing.” called Fitness on the Plaza.”

Productivity tool: “Smartphone with Outlook. I use it for everything.”

Productivity tool: “I am old school. Right now I am looking at two dry erase boards full of stuff. I stay organized by writing everything down, then I know my mind has seen KELLEY KENDALL, PRESS AND PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR it. If I'm out somewhere and it's really important, I shoot Marketing team role: “From the time a show is ready to myself a text.” be announced, I get the information out to the media. I write the press release, set up interviews, pitch stories, SHANNON PHILLIPS, PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR and follow up.”

Marketing team role: “Once Aaron books a show, I take Typical workday: “In addition to the media work, I also care of all the nontechnical aspects, like making sure do promotions, social media, always looking at different to send deposits, contracts, policies, etc. I run a weekly ways to promote the Tobin Center. Today I worked on production meeting for all of the traveling shows. On the could have 85 shows that we are keeping in the balance.

It's a challenge and we love a challenge.”

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day of the show I make sure everything comes together.”

Typical workday: “It's very physical. Everybody jokes that I just walk in circles. On one sixteen-hour day I walked fifteen miles. I make sure performers have everything they need. People are more health conscious so we're setting up juicers, organic foods, finding vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and coordinating with our great chef who accommodates all special diets. On some days I'm handling three events at once, and on those days it's all hands on deck. Everyone pitches in.”

LUIS TORRES, GRAPHIC AND MARKETING COORDINATOR Marketing team role: “A lot of my job is dedicated to graphics, taking and editing photos, print advertisements, some web. I'm also dipping my toes into media buying.

We're like a small ad agency here.”

too much to remember.”

For more info, tobincenter.org

Typical workday: “I work with a lot of people at the same time. The resident companies, like Ballet San Antonio, might need artwork or graphics and that's where we come in. Sometimes I'll help Chris create a video, then Biggest project: “Paul McCartney. We were a much work with our development team.” smaller space than he was used to, so there was a lot of advance preparation, with his team coming in to tour Performing experience: “The last time I was on stage was the venue. I had to send blueprints. I had to hire six in high school with a local Puerto Rican dance troupe. We runners, two of them just to assist his personal chefs. But performed in Houston and here in Southtown.” the show was amazing, with 52 boxes of pyrotechnics Proudest moment: “The Mavis Staples and Nick Lowe for just one song.” show. Very simple design, harking back to 1950s posters.

Proudest moment: “When we opened, the second night Also Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Sweet Honey in the we had performances in all three [performance] spaces. Rock. They had only given us two images and I translated It was such a huge career change for me from working that into print and web design.” in fashion. I had tears in my eyes.”

Productivity tool: “Pinterest and Designspiration for Productivity tool: “My iPhone. I don't use paper. There's inspiration.”

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Julie Boulianne

Ensemble Schumann

Tuesday Musical Club presents its 2016-17 Artist Series. 94th season features an exceptional lineup of acclaimed musicians

By Carol Ross, Artist Series Chair Photography courtesy TMC ..ringing world-class artists to San Antonio for ..the past 93 years (yes, 93 years!), the Tuesday ..Musical Club Artist Series will present four concerts by renowned artists for its 2016-17 season:

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Julie Boulianne – Mezzo-Soprano, 2 p.m. Oct. 25 Sponsored in part by Mattie Jennie Fund French-Canadian Julie Boulianne has been acclaimed for the agility and expressive power of her dark-hued mezzo-soprano voice in a wide repertoire, with a special focus on the music of Mozart and Rossini.

The New York Times said of her per formances of Rossini’s La Cenerentola, “Julie Boulianne made Angelina a girl of honesty and spirit, ready to battle for her right to go to the ball and to forgive her obnoxious family. Her warm, flexible mezzo came into its own in her final, triumphant rondo."

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Ensemble Schumann – Oboe, Viola and Piano, 2 p.m. Nov. 29 Sponsored by Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Joined in a lively and color fu l t r i o, t h e memb er s of Ensemb le S c humann – Th o ma s G allant, ob oe, Steve Lar son, vio l a , a n d S a l l y Pink as, p iano, p resent wor ks by t he i r n a me s a ke R ob er t S c hum ann, as well as by Jo h a n n e s Brahm s, Camille S aint-S aëns, C har l e s Lo e ffl e r, Franc is Poulenc, Dm it r i Shost a kovi c h a n d ot her s. G allant, Lar son and Pink a s h ave e a c h p er for med at many not ab le venue s. Pe r fo r mi n g toget her since 2005, Ensemb le S c h u ma n n h a s b een feat ured on t he p rest igiou s D a Ca me ra S er ies in Los Angeles, at t he C lar k Ar t M u s e u m in M assac huset t s and on “Live Fro m Fra s e r ” o n WGBH in B oston.

Simone Porter

Simone Porter – Violin, 2 p.m. Jan. 31 Sponsored in part by an anonymous donor Violinist Simone Por ter has been recognized as an emerging ar tist of impassioned energy, musical integrity and vibrant sound. The Los Angeles Times, after referring to her as a “future star,” wrote, “Let ’s strike the word ‘future.’ She sounds ready. Now.” Her per formances have been described as "bold" (Seattle Times), " vir tuosic" ( The Times, London), and Por ter herself has been praised as "a consummate chamber musician" ( The Telegraph).

Roman Rabinovich – Piano, 2 p.m. March 28 Co-sponsored Dr. Dale & Mieke Bennett and Wayne & Jane Beyer Prai sed by Th e N ew Yo r k Ti mes for his “u ncom m o n s e n s iti v i t y a n d feel i n g,” eloquent youn g p ian i s t R o ma n R a bi n ov i ch i s th e winner of th e 2008 Ar t h u r R u bi n stei n I nter nat ional Pia n o M as te r Co mpeti ti o n . R a bi n ov ic h has per fo r me d t h ro u gh o u t th e U.S ., Eu rop e and Is ra el i n p re s t i gi o u s ven u es su ch a s Wigmore Ha l l i n Lo n d o n , Ca r n egi e’s Z a n kel Hall, t he Gre at H al l o f M o s cow Co n ser vato r y, Ci té d e la

Roman Rabinovich

M usique in Par is and t he M illenn i u m St a g e o f t he Kenned y Center in Washington , D C. During the past 93 seasons of the Artist Series, other pre-eminent performers have included Leonard Rose, Josef and Rosina Lhévinne, Angelika Kirchschlager, Arcadi Volodos, Chanticleer, the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio, Joshua Bell, Nathan Gunn, Stephen Hough and Lawrence Brownlee.

All Artist Series concerts last from 90 minutes to two hours, with a short intermission, and begin at 2 p.m. Tuesdays in Laurel Heights United Methodist Church, 227 W. Woodlawn Ave. Handicapped seating is available; there is free parking in the church lot.

Full season tickets (four tickets) can be purchased and used at any concert, in any combination, for maximum flexibility and season enjoyment.

Students are free at all concerts with proper ID. Single tickets for each performance can be purchased on the TMC website at www.satmc.org or at the door, approximately half an hour before each concert. Seating is first-come, first-served.

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CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ,

the Woodlawn’s artistic director, hopes to make the theater the beacon of the Deco District

By Susan A. Merkner Photography Greg Harrison

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he Woodlawn Theatre’s artistic director, Christopher Rodriguez, took take from rehearsals and business matters recently to answer a few questions for On the Town.

How long have you been at the Woodlawn Theatre and what are your primary duties?

I’ve been here about four and half years. It’s been very exciting, doing what I love, which is education and teaching appreciation for the arts. I’ve been the youth program director and resident choreographer. In January, I was promoted to artistic director, although I still manage the youth program and teach classes.

As artistic director, I keep a close eye on all the shows we’re doing. Some I direct; for others we bring in guest directors. I serve as the liaison between the staff and the production team. We produce six main-stage shows and four to five children’s shows each year. We have eight full-time and three to four part-time employees. We all wear so many hats. There’s always something going on – it’s great because there’s so much energy here.

The theater became a nonprofit organization in 2012.

In recent years, there’s been resurgence in the Deco District around the theater, with new restaurants and businesses opening. Our goal is to make the Woodlawn Theatre the beacon of the Deco District.

Tell us about your career before this position.

I went to high school at the North East School of the Arts. I’ve been active in community theater for a number of years. I attended Texas State University.

After that, I was hired at The Playhouse, where I worked for nine years.

What successes have you experienced so far at the Woodlawn?

It’s amazing to me the amount of backing from the community and from local artists that we have received in the short time we’ve been here. So many people want to be in our shows; they want to work here. Unfortunately, we can’t pay our actors now – they are all volunteers who have a passion for theater.

What can you tell us about the theater’s history?

Our children’s program has grown from about 20 kids to about 300 now. They are taking classes, doing The Woodlawn was built in the 1940s, and its big shows, learning about dance and theater history. We claim to fame was having the world premiere of “The work with outside groups, such as Eva’s Heroes and Alamo” movie with John Wayne here in 1960. Over Upward Bound, to try to reach as many young people the years it got run down and had different owners. as possible, to expose them to theater.

About eight years, new owners took over, Kurt and Sherry Wehner. When their daughter was in the What are your biggest challenges? children’s program, they helped the other parents build flats, put up a wall here or there, design sets. Of course, as a nonprofit, funding is a big challenge.

Kurt is a contractor and designs wonderful sets; he Since we are a relatively new theater, we find that has a great eye for design and know how to make younger audiences come see our shows. They may not the stage visually appealing. They hired a passionate have big family money or resources to give us, but we staff, bought new equipment, redesigned the lobby appreciate all of their donations. In the future, we hope and helped get the word out. Sherry is on the board to do more grants, more city funding. It’s also important and Kurt is executive director. to find the right types of shows to appeal to our patrons.

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Christopher Rodriguez

Benjamin Grabill

We present a wide variety, from family shows, classics, some adult shows – we try to find the right balance that audiences want to see throughout the year.

What’s coming up in the future?

fundraiser, with dinner, dancing and performances.

Tickets are available on our website.

Our goals are to continue the same quality of work from the last four years and step it up. We want to bring in more guest directors. We want to keep growing in our professionalism and make this the best community theater in Texas

The Woodlawn’s remaining shows for this year are “Evita,” through Sept. 11; “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber,” Oct. 7 to Nov. 6; and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Nov. 25 to Dec. 23.

Woodlawn Theatre 1920 Fredericksburg Road Our 2016-17 season of adult and children’s shows San Antonio, TX 78201 will be announced at our Deco Gala Sept. 24 in the 210-267-8388 University of the Incarnate Word Sky Room. It’s our main www.woodlawntheatre.org 22 On The Town | September/October 2016

Kurt Wehner

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Photo byTown Alexander Devora Still Life Photography 24 On The | September/October 2016

Spanish Themes to Open Opera and Ballet Seasons

By Jasmina Wellinghoff

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oth Ballet San Antonio (BSA) and Opera San Antonio (OSA) are starting their 201617 season with well-known works based on stories set in Spain. First up on Oct.14-16 is Don Quixote, a spectacular classical ballet that has never been produced before in San Antonio, followed by George Bizet’s beloved opera Carmen Oct. 27 & 29. All performance will take place at The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.

“This opera has all the elements that appeal to people, a fantastic score and a dramatic story of love and jealousy that speaks to people’s feelings,” said OSA’s new general and artistic director Enrique CarreonRobledo. “What can be more universal than love and the consequences of love? When you watch Carmen you are immersed in the action. The personality of the title character is larger than life and commands attention. And there’s an element of fantasy, too.”

Indeed. Carmen is one of the most produced operas in the world despite an initial uneasy response from Parisian critics and audiences who felt uncomfortable with the realism of the action and the working-class characters. It quickly became a success, however, and a staple of many opera houses’ repertoire. According to published reports, the Metropolitan Opera in New York staged it almost 1,000 times between 1884 and 2011.

As was the case with Madama Butterfly, last year, OSA will be presenting the version originally created for Glimmerglass Festival in 2011. Mezzo-soprano Kirstin Chavez headlines the cast as the fiery and fickle Gypsy girl who seduces the soldier Don Jose only to later reject him after he has sacrificed everything for her. Don Jose will be portrayed by tenor Adam Diegel who appeared in Madama Butterfly in 2015 as the unsympathetic Lt. Pinkerton. Don Jose will give him a chance to portray a very different character.

The production will feature a 40-member adult chorus, members of the Children’s Chorus of Antonio and an ensemble of dancers. In fact, at the time of this writing, Carreon-Robledo and OSA chairman and guiding force Mel Weingart were auditioning San Antonio singers for the chorus, hoping to create a permanent opera choral group.

Though the 2016-17 programming was decided much before Carreon-Robledo came on board, Weingart said that he and the new director share the same vision for the company. “We have a specific goal for this company,” he said. “What may be successful in Chicago or L.A. is quite different from what we are dealing with here.

Many San Antonians may not have been privileged to see a fully-staged opera production in a facility like the Tobin. We founded this company to give these people and all San Antonians the chance to enjoy magnificent classical singing in high quality productions… Enrique has a very diverse background and experience, and has in-depth knowledge of opera, conducting, and managing. He combines all the elements needed to accomplish our goals. And he has moved here with his family to become part of the community.”

Mexican-born Carreon-Robledo served as the artistic director of Opera in the Heights in Houston for four years where he produced 15 different productions and garnered awards and critical accolades. The Houston Press honored him with its 2013 Houston Theater Award for “Best Artistic Director” and chose him that same year as one of the Houston MasterMind winners. The OSA press announcement about the new appointment states that CarreonRobledo ”worked within budgets and produced surpluses” while also playing a key role in fundraising, an important activity for all arts organization. In addition, he is a well-known conductor who has worked with symphony orchestras as well as with ballet and opera companies all over the world.

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Kristin Chavez MEANWHILE AT THE BALLET… The 2016-17 season is the first full season that will be under the control of artistic director Willy Shives who joined BSA in the fall of 2015. Audiences got a taste of what he can do this past spring with Ballet Alive, which this writer - who also happens to be a performing arts reviewer – praised as boding well for the future of dance in our city. So how does it feel to be starting this new adventure, I asked Shives during an early rehearsal break in mid-August.

“Fantastic! The dancers came back (after the summer hiatus) four weeks earlier than usual. Yesterday was our first day. They are all in beautiful condition, strong and excited about the season,” he said, clearly excited himself. “A lot of new things are happening,” he added.

“In addition to premiering Don Quixote we will be going on tour in the Valley, Oct. 21-23, with a mixed repertoire like what we presented in Ballet Alive.” The dancers can’t believe they will be going on tour. We will also perform for Luminaria (Nov. 11). And there’s a possibility that we’ll get our own home but I can’t tell you more about that right now. (At present the company rehearses at the Mexican Cultural Institute.)

Adam Diegel knowledgeable professionals. By the time you read this, all of them will be hard at work on their premier production of Don Quixote.

Though Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ iconic novel about the misguided but valiant gentleman who imagines himself to be a knight errant “redressing all manners of wrongs,” the ballet’s main focus is not really the old don. The main dancing characters are the village maiden Kitri and her beloved Basilio whose future together is uncertain because her father Lorenzo wants to marry her to the nobleman Gamache.

This is a familiar scenario but Don Quixote and Sancho Panza have a role in these developments, too, and, as expected, there’s a scene where Quixote attacks windmills with his sword… Well, no self-respecting theatrical production of the tale would dare to omit that! But there will be no horse on stage, not even a fake one. “I want to go right to the dancing. It’s really about Kitri and Basilio,” said Shives.

This ballet is very familiar to him as he performed in it several times during his dancing career. Before coming to San Antonio, Shives, who is a native Texan, spent 16 years at the famous Joffrey Ballet as dancer, ballet master and community outreach director.

Other recent developments include the hiring of Other companies he was involved with include two new staff members, technical director Bennett the Pittsburg Dance Theater, the Milwaukee Ballet, Gunning and new ballet mistress Cenezca Wessolossky Minnesota Dance Theater, Tulsa Ballet and Ballet Cortellan. Shives praised both as experienced and Austin. During our conversation, he speculated that 26 On The Town | September/October 2016

Andrea Carroll he might appear on stage in the current BSA show in the role of Sancho Panza.

Set to music by Ludwig Minkus, the ballet was originally choreographed in 1869 by legendary Russian choreographer Marius Petipa - with additional tweaks by Alexander Gorsky - for the Imperial Ballet at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. Many productions have taken place since then but most, though not all, follow the Petipa-Gorsky format. And so will Shives who is choreographing the BSA version. The score will be performed live by the San Antonio Symphony.

Ryan Speedo involving about 100 performers, is free and open to the public. It is scheduled to start at dusk, at 7:47 p.m., following the 6:30 p.m. ceremony.

Composed by Californian Joseph Julian Gonzalez with a libretto by UTSA scholar John Phillip Santos, it will a collaboration of multiple arts organizations, which, besides BSA and OSA, include the San Antonio Symphony, the Children Chorus of San Antonio, Alamo City Opera, the children’s mariachi group from the San Antonio I.S.D., and the Native Americans of Texas. The Bexar Heritage & Parks Department director Betty Bueche said the main With original sets by Gunning and costumes by character is the creek itself telling the story of the wardrobe master Raul McGinnis, big dance numbers, founding of San Antonio. The location was chosen grand classical choreography, and humor galore, because it is near the site where the original Mission the show promises to be a visual and aural big bang San Antonio de Valero was founded in 1718. introduction to the fall performing arts season.

Bueche also noted that the show is the first act of a …………………………………………………………… trilogy that will celebrate our history in Act I and II, and then conclude with a look into the future. That final “LA FUNDACION DE BEJAR” act is scheduled to take place May 5, 2018 to mark the tricentennial anniversary of our city.

Both Ballet San Antonio and Opera San Antonio are involved in the massive new production of a brand new The “Fundacion” performance is part of the first annual opera La Fundacion de Bejar which will be performed World Heritage Festival that will unfold over a week’s Sept 8 at the athletic field of Fox Tech High School time, from Sept. 7 to 11. in conjunction with the groundbreaking ceremony for phase 1 of the San Pedro Creek restoration. Wow! It all sounds exciting though, oddly, there has Commissioned by Bexar County, the big production, been little publicity about it.

September/October 2016 | On The Town 27

28 On The Town | September/October 2016

Events Calendar

30-52

September/October 2016 | On The Town 29

September/October 2016 Events Calendar Music Notes Ramon Ayala, David Lee Garza & Los Desperadoz 9/1, Thu @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys Dancehall Ancira Music Series Dale Watson 9, 1, Thu @ 7:30pm County Line BBQ – IH10 Kansas KONO 101.1 Big Night Out 15!

9/2, Fri @ 8pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Jack Ingram 9/2, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Lowe’s Presents Mas Musica Featuring Inspector, Jenny & The Mexicats and Master Blaster 9/2, Fri @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Wagon Aces 9/2, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

The Reed Brothers 9/2, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Charlie Robison 9/3-4, Sat @ 9pm Sun @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Kerrville - First Presbyterian 9/18, Sun @ 3pm San Antonio UIW Concert Hall

Big Band, Western Swing & Blues featuring Andy Meadows 9/3, Sat @ 3pm & 8pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg

The Strayhearts 9/3, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Jason Isbell 9/9, Fri @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

Maroon 5 9/3, Sat @ 7:30pm AT&T Center

Randy Rogers Band 9/4, Sun @ 7pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

Ryan Waguespack 9/9, Fri @ 6pm O’Brien’s in Bergheim

Spazmatics 9/3, Sat @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

Duran Duran 9/6-7, Tue-Wed @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Two Tons of Steel 9/3, Sat @ 7:30pm O’Brien’s in Bergheim

Ancira Music Series Harvest Thieves 9/8, Thu @ 7:30pm County Line BBQ – IH10

Chilton Vance & Bill Ayrs 9/3, Sat @ 8pm Bluebonnet Palace Cody Jinks & Whitey Morgan 9/3, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall 3 Chord Rodeo 9/3, Sat @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall

30 On The Town | September/October 2016

Magneto & Mercurio 9/8, Thu @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Camerata San Antonio Season Opening Performance 9/9, Fri @ 7:30pm Boerne - United Methodist 9/10, Sat @ 3pm

Van Wilkes 9/9, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Doug Moreland 9/9, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Cash’d Out: A Johnny Cash Tribute Band 9/9, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store The Bennetts 9/10, Sat @ 6pm O’Brien’s in Bergheim John Wolfe 9/10, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys Dancehall

September/October 2016 | On The Town 31

2016 Honda Civic Tour featuring Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas: Future Now 9/10, Sat @ 7pm AT&T Center Arts San Antonio Alessandro Deljavan 9/10, Sat @ 7:30pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall Trinity University

Mid-Texas Symphony 9/11, Sun @ 4pm David Mairs, conductor Peter Dugan, piano Jackson Auditorium at Texas Lutheran University Garbage 9/11, Sun @ 8pm Majestic Theatre

Collective Soul 9/10, Sat @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Kraftwerk: 3-D Concert 9/12, Mon @ 8:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Robert Earl Keene 9/10, Sat @ 8pm John T. Floore Country Store

Draco Rosa – La Sagrado y Lo Maldito Tour 9/13, Tue @ 9pm Aztec Theatre

Cash’d Out: A Johnny Cash Tribute Band 9/10, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Ancira Music Series Roger Creager 9/15, Thu @ 7:30pm County Line BBQ – IH10

Rock and Roll Over A Kiss Tribute Band 9/10, Sat @ 8pm Bluebonnet Palace Gary P. Nunn 9/10, Sat @ 8:30pm Kendalia Dancehall Bob Schneider 9/10, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Sunday Jazz at the Witte Sarah Arenella 9/11, Sun @ 3pm Witte Museum

Almost Patsy Cline Band 9/16, Fri @ 6pm O’Brien’s in Bergheim Bad Boy Family Reunion 9/16, Fri @ 8pm AT&T Center San Antonio Symphony Carmina Burana 9/16-18, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Symphony Mastersingers Children’s Chorus of San Antonio H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

32 On The Town | September/October 2016

Jason Boland and the Stragglers 9/16, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall

Billy Joe Shaver 9/17, Sat @ 8:30pm John T. Floore Country Store

Cactus Country 9/16, Fri @ 8:15pm Leon Springs Dancehall

Fredericksburg Music Club Fei-Fei Dong, piano 9/18, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist

Pat Green 9/16, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Blanco Performing Arts Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio & Argenta Trio 9/17, Sat @ 7:30pm Uptown Ballroom Blanco Miranda Lambert: Keeper of the Flame Tour 9/17, Sat @ 7:30pm AT&T Center Jody Nix 9/17, Sat @ 8pm Anhalt Hall The Georges 9/17, Sat @ 8pm Gruene Hall Tessy Lou and the Shotgun Stars 9/17, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall The Molly Ringwalds 9/17, Sat @ 9pm Aztec Theatre

5 Seconds of Summer: Sounds Live Feels Live Tour 9/19, Wed @ 7:30pm AT&T Center Martina McBride Band Against Cancer 9/21, Wed @ 7pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Donavan: Sunshine Superman – 50th Anniversary Tour 9/22, Thu @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Rita Coolidge 9/22, Thu @ 8pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels Loretta Lynn 9/23-24, Fri-Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Gruene Hall

September/October 2016 | On The Town 33

Gary Allan 9/23, Fri @ 7:30pm Whitewater Amphitheater New Braunfels

Jason James 9/24, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Monster Energy Outbreak Presents: Post Malone 9/23, Fri @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Tobin Studio Sessions Rich Robinson 9/25 Sun @ 7pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center

History of Rock n’ Roll 9/23-24, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 3pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg

Alter Bridge 9/25, Sun @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Almost Patsy Cline Band 9/23, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall San Antonio Symphony Pops Off The Charts Great Number One Hits’ 9/23-24, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Akiko Fujimoto, conductor Diane Penning, soprano Paul Langford, tenor H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center The Mavericks 9/23, Fri @ 8:30pm John T. Floore Country Store Johnny Nicholas 9/24, Sat @ 6pm Luckenbach Dancehall Colvin & Earle 9/24, Sat @ 8pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

Tobin Studio Sessions Rodney Crowell 9/26, Mon @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Charlie Puth – We Don’t Talk Tour 9/27, Tue @ 7:30pm Aztec Theatre Alice in Chains 9/27, Tue @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Tanya Tucker 9/29, Thu @ 7:30pm Cailloux Theater Kerrville Cold War Kids with special guest The Strumbellas 9/29, Thu @ 9pm Aztec Theatre Rodney Carrington 9/30, Fri @ 7pm Majestic Theatre

34 On The Town | September/October 2016

Radney Foster 9/30, Fri @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall San Antonio Symphony Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 9/30-10/1, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor Garrick Ohlsson, piano H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Guy Forsyth Band 9/30, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Josh Abbott Band 9/30, Fri @ 8:30pm John T. Floore Country Store The Bennetts 10/1, Sat @ 6pm O’Brien’s in Bergheim Oktober Fiesta with Stephanie Urbina Jones 10/1, Sat @ 1pm Luckenbach Dancehall Josh Turner 10/1, Sat @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys Dancehall Sadie Robertson: Live Original 10/1, Sat @ 7pm Freeman Coliseum

Lowe’s Presents Mas Musical Feat La Gusana Cieage, Porter, Siddhartha 10/1, Sat @ 7pm Aztec Theatre Already Gone & Abbey Rode A Tribute to The Eagles & The Beatles 10/1, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels The Merles 10/1, Sat @ 8pm Luckenbach Dancehall Uncle Lucius 10/1, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall The Heart of Texas Band Shall We Dance 10/2, Sun @ 3pm Location TBA M83 10/3, Mon @ 8pm Aztec Theatre The Beach Boys 10/4, Tue @ 7:30pm Majestic Theatre Die Antwoord 10/4, Tue @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

September/October 2016 | On The Town 35

Symphony of the Hills Rach & Roll 10/6, Thu @ 7:30pm Eugene Dowdy, conductor Donald Crandall, piano Cailloux Theater Kerrville

Tobin Studio Sessions Patrizio Buanne 10/7, Fri @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center

Tobin Studio Sessions The James Hunter Six 10/6, Thu @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Theater at the Tobin Center

Schoolboy Q: Blank Face Tour 10/7/ Fri @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Yellowcard: The Final World Tour 10/6, Thu @ 7:30pm Aztec Theatre Margo Price 10/6, Thu @ 8pm Gruene Hall 30th Annual Gruene Music & Wine Fest Jack Ingram, Charlie Robison and Bruce Robison 10/7, Fri @ 5:30pm & 9:30pm Gruene Hall Rick Cavender Band 10/7, Fri @ 6:30pm O’Brien’s in Bergheim Restless Heart 10/7, Fri @ 8pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg The Time Jumpers starring Vince Gill and Kenny Sears 10/7, Fri @ 8pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

36 On The Town | September/October 2016

Mike Ryan 10/7, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store John McLaughlin 10/8, Sat @ 8pm Carols Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Smokey Robinson 10/8, Sat @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Kris Kristofferson 10/8, Sat @ 8pm H-E-B Performance Hall At the Tobin Center Dale Watson 10/8, Sat @ 8:30pm Kendalia Dancehall Marshall Tucker Band 10/8, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall Foals 10/8, Sat @ 9pm Aztec Theatre

Jesse Stratton Band 10/8, Sat @ 8pm Bluebonnet Palace

Keith Urban 10/13, Thu @ 7:30pm Alamodome

Sunday Jazz at the Witte Henry Brun and The Latin Playerz 10/9, Sun @ 3pm Witte Museum

Johnny Lang 10/13, Thu @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Prophets of Rage: Make America Rage Again Tour 10/9, Sun @ 7pm Chante Moore 10/9, Sun @ 7pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin center B-52s 10/9, Sun @ 7pm H-E-B Performance Hall At the Tobin Center SOLI Chamber Ensemble Together Again featuring flutist Angela Jones-Reus 10/10, Mon @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center 10/11, Tue @ 7:30pm Ruth Taylor Recital Hall Trinity University Tobin Studio Sessions Lori McKenna 10/12, Wed @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at The Tobin Center

Billy Currington 10/14, Fri @ 7pm (doors open) Cowboys Dancehall Camerata San Antonio Mozart Festival 10/14, Fri @ 7:30pm Boerne - United Methodist 10/15, Sat @ 3pm Kerrville - First Presbyterian 10/16, Sun @ 3pm San Antonio UIW Concert Hall Cailloux Performance Series Rob Zappulla: Come Fly with Me 10/15, Sat @ 7:30pm Cailloux Theater Kerrville Randy Rogers Band 10/14, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Chamber Orchestra of San Antonio 20th Century Icons 10/15, Sat @ 7:30pm Jose Luis Gomez, conductor Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center September/October 2016 | On The Town 37

Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone 10/15, Sat @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels Oktoberfest Ennis Czech Boys and Justin Trevino 10/15, Sat / 12pm-10pm Anhalt Hall The Vox Populi Tour 2016: Bad Religion and Against Me! 10/15, Sat @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Wayne Hancock 10/15, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Fredericksburg Music Club Apollo Chamber Players 10/16, Sun @ 3pm Fredericksburg United Methodist

Tobin Studio Sessions Glen Phillips 10/16, Sun @ 7pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater At the Tobin Center

Arts San Antonio Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars 10/21, Fri @ 7:30pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

Mid-Texas Symphony Concert 2 10/16, Sun @ 4pm David Mairs, conductor Christine Lamprea, cello Canyon HS Performing Arts Center New Braunfels

Olmos Ensemble Eastern European Spectacular 10/17, Mon @ 7:30pm Laurel Heights United Methodist

Buddy Guy 10/21, Fri @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

The Noise presents Parkway Drive: Unbreakable Tour 10/16, Sun @ 7pm Aztec Theatre

38 On The Town | September/October 2016

Machine Gun Kelly 10/19, Wed @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Almost Patsy Cline Band 10/21, Fri @ 6pm O’Brien’s in Burgheim

Zane Williams 10/21, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall Resurrection: A Journey Tribute 10/21-22, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 3pm Rockbox Theater Fredericksburg

September/October 2016 | On The Town 39

Tracy Bird 10/21, Fri @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store Heart of Texas Roadshow with Norma Jean, Dallas Wayne, Dottsy, Amber Digby and Justin Trevino 10/22, Sat @ 2:30pm & 7:30pm Texas Theatre Seguin Toadies 10/22, Sat @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Radney Foster 10/22, Sat @ 9pm Gruene Hall San Antonio Chamber Music Society Danish String Quartet 10/23, Sun @ 3:15pm Temple Beth-El Monster Energy Outbreak Presents: Post Malone 10/23, Fri @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Tuesday Musical Club Julie Boulianne, MezzoSoprano 10/25, Tues @ 2pm Laurel Heights United Methodist

Tobin Studio Sessions John Sebastian 10/27, Tue @ 7:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at The Tobin Center The Fray with special guests American Authors 10/27, Thu @ 8pm Aztec Theater Donny Edwards: The Ultimate Tribute to the King 10/28, Fri @ 7:30pm Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre New Braunfels Ghost - Popestar Tour Presented by Sirius XM’s Octane 10/28, Fri @ 8pm Aztec Theatre Freddie Jackson 10/29, Sat @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre at the Carver Johnny Nicholas 10/28, Fri @ 8pm Gruene Hall

Il Divo 10/30, Sun @ 7pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Tobin Studio Sessions Penny & Sparrow 10/30, Fri @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater At the Tobin Center Beats Antique 10/31, Mon @ 8pm Aztec Theatre

Live Theater Harlequin Theatre at Fort Sam Houston Birds 9/1-10, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sheldon Vexler Theatre The Foreigner 9/1-11, Thu @ 7:30pm Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm (No shows on Fridays)

Mike and The Moonpies 10/28, Sat @ 9pm John T. Floore Country Store

Playhouse 2000 Kerrville Always a Bridesmaid 9/2-4, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2:30pm VK Garage Theater

Mala Luna Music Festival 10/29-30 Lone Star Brewery www.malalunamusic festival.com

The Overtime Theater Ghostbears!

9/2-10, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 7pm Greg Barrios Theater

40 On The Town | September/October 2016

Woodlawn Theatre Evita 9/2-11, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm Circle Arts Theatre New Braunfels Inherit the Wind 9/2-18, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm Classic Theatre San Antonio The House on Mango Street 9/2-24, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Boerne Community Theatre The 39 Steps 9/9-24, Thu @ 7:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm The Wimberley Players Lost in Yonkers 9/9-10/2, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2:30pm Wimberley Playhouse Face 9/9-10/8, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun (9/18) @ 3pm Sun (10?2) @ 7pm Little Overtime Theater North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio The Sound of Music (touring) 9/13-18, Tue-Thu @ 7:30pm, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre

September/October 2016 | On The Town 41

Harlequin Theatre at Fort Sam Houston Lady Sings The Blues 9/23-10/22, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Tobin Center Edge Series Steve Solomon – My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy (touring) 9/23-24, Fri@ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center The Playhouse San Antonio Disney’s® Beauty and the Beast 9/30-10/30, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 3pm Russell Hill Rogers Theater Circle Arts Theatre New Braunfels God of Carnage 10/7-16, Thu-Sat @ 8pm Sun @ 2pm The Overtime Theater Locolobo: Punk Prometheus Psycho Wolf Musical Comedy 10/7-11/5, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun (10/16) @ 3pm Sun (10/30) @ 7pm Greg Barrios Theater Woodlawn Theatre Sweeney Todd – the Demon Barber of Fleet Street 10/7-11/6, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 3pm

Point Theatre Shakespeare’s The Tempest at Stonehenge II 10/14-29, Fri-Sat @ 8:30pm Sun (10/23) @ 8:30pm Hill Country Arts Foundation Ingram Fredericksburg Theater Company Noises Off! 10/14-30, Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm Steve W. Shepherd Theater North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Cabaret (touring) 10/25-30, Tue-Thu @ 7:30pm, Fri @ 8pm Sat @ 2pm & 8pm Sun @ 2pm & 7:30pm Majestic Theatre Playhouse 2000 And Then There Were None 10/28-11/12 Fri-Sat @ 7:30pm Sun (11/6) @ 2:30pm Kathleen C. Cailloux Theater Kerrille The Overtime Theater Jackson Square 10/28-11/19, Fri-Sat @ 8pm Sun (11/6) @ 3pm Little Overtime Theater Harlequin Theatre at Fort Sam Houston Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play 10/29-11/19, Thu-Sat @ 8pm

42 On The Town | September/October 2016

Opera Alamo City Opera Broadway vs. Opera 9/23 & 25, Fri @ 8pm Sun @ 2:30pm Pearl Stable Opera San Antonio Carmen Kristin Chavez – Carmen Adam Diegel – Don Jose 10/27, 29, Thu & Sat @ 7:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall At the Tobin Center

Dance Red Carpet Affair Renaissance with the Stars 9/10, Sat @ 7:15pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Guadalupe Dance Company 25th Anniversary Performance Celebrando Tradicional 10/16, Fri @ 8pm Guadalupe Theatre Cailloux Performances Series The Stepcrew 9/18, Sun @ 3pm Cailloux Theater Kerrville

Tobin Center Dance Series Parsons Dance 9/25, Sun @ 7pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Tobin Center Dance Series Parsons Dance: A SensoryFriendly Performance 9/26, Mon @ 11am H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Russian Grand Ballet presents Swan Lake 10/9, Sun @ 7pm Majestic Theatre Ballet San Antonio Don Quixote 10/14-16, Fri @ 7:30pm Sat @ 2pm & 7:30pm Sun @ 2pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center

Cinema We Served Too Presented by Fredericksburg Theater Company 9/16, Fri @ 7:30pm Steve W. Shepherd Theater Trunk or Treat: Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein Presented by Fredericksburg Theater Company 10/31, Sat @ 7:30pm Steve W. Shepherd Theater

September/October 2016 | On The Town 43

Fathom Eventstb 9/18 & 21 – TMC Movie Classics / Dr.Stranglove 9/22 – Miss Saigon 9/27 – Michael Buble / Tour Stop 148 10/8 & 12– Metropolitan Opera / Tristan und Isolde 10/16 – Bolshoi Ballet / The Golden Age 10/22 & 26 – Metropolitan Opera / Don Giovani 10/23 – TMC Movie Classics / The Shining 10/25National Theatre Live / Frankenstein For theater locations and show times for these performance www.fathomevents.com

Comedy Quinn Dahle 9/1-4, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Jay Pharoah 9/2-4, Fri & Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Willie Barcena 9/7-11, Wed-Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

44 On The Town | September/October 2016

Ben Hague 9/7-11, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Lewis Black 9/9, Fri @ 8pm Majestic Theatre Chingo-Bling 9/10, Sat @ 7pm & 9:30pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theatre at the Tobin Center Paul Varghese 9/14-18, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Blair Thompson 9/15, Thu @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Arnez J 9/16-18, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Soul Dynasty & Urban Sophi presents Bring the Funny Back Comedy Series 9/18, Sun @ 8pm Jo Long Theatre at the Carver

Raul Sanchez 9/21, Wed @ 8pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Jay LaFar and Friends 9/27, Tue @ 8:30pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter

Corey Rodrigues 9/21-25, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter

Danny Ingle 9/28, Wed @ 8:30pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter

Clayton English 9/22-25, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Jeff Dye 9/29-10/2, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

Ms. Pat 9/29-10/2, Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King 10/1, Sat @ 8pm Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater at the Tobin Center Eddie Brill 10/5-9, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter

Chris D’Elia 10/7, Fri @ 8pm Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Damon Wayans, Jr. 10/7-9, Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club April Macie 10/12-16, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter

September/October 2016 | On The Town 45

Adam Ray 10/13-16, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club Peyton Clarkson 10/19-22, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Alex Reymundo 10/20-23, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club The Hodgetwins 9/23, Sun @ 7pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Thai Rivera 10/26-30, Wed-Thu @ 8:30pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 8pm Improv Comedy Club at Rivercenter Lil Rei 10/27-30, Thu @ 8pm Fri-Sat @ 8pm & 10:15pm Sun @ 7pm Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club

46 On The Town | September/October 2016

Children's Children’s Fine Arts Series Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters An African Tale 10/3, Mon @ 6:30pm H-E-B Performance Hall at the Tobin Center Magik Theatre Treasure Island 9/2-17 For details: www. magiktheatre.org Octonauts Live!

10/7, Thu @ 6pm Majestic Theatre Magik Theatre Duck for President 9/30-11/6 For details: www. magiktheatre.org

Exhibitions ARTPACE International Artists in Residence Exhibit Rachel MacLean Juan William Chavez Andy Coolquitt Dominic Molon, curator Thru 9/11 BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM

Obstacles (off-site exhibit) Patrik Elgstrom 9/8-10/15 Michael and Noemi Neidorff Art Gallery at Trinity University Spill (off-site exhibit) Jenny Magnusson 10/28-12/10 Michael and Noemi Neidorff Art Gallery at Trinity University BIHL HAUS ARTS Infinite Realm of Abstraction J.D Morera Thru 9/24 Golden Flowers: New works by the Bihl Haus Go! Arts Goldens (off-site exhibit) 10/7-21 Via Rotunda Embroidering the Old Spanish Trail Laurel Gibson 10/15-12/17

Yanaguana Indian Arts Market 10/1-2 INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES Nuestra Historia Thru 9/4 Our Part of Victory Thru 12/7 Girl’s Eye View Thru 10/31 LINDA PACE FOUNDATION Adam (Public Artwork)

By Arturo Herrera 25’ h x 98’ w, Frost Bank Garage Commerce at Main Thru 12/2016 McNAY ART MUSEUM Shepard Fairey at the McNay Thru 9/11 Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland, 1861-2008 Thru 9/11

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM

Parlour Games: Ruloff Kip’s Toy Theatre Thru 2/6

Ansel Adams: Distance and Detail 9/15-12/15

Jim Dine: Salome Reimagined Thru 12/24 September/October 2016 | On The Town 47

Orientalism: The Middle East Onstage Thru 12/24

Living and Collecting Mexico: Gifts from Susan Toomey Frost 10/12-2/5

Art in the Garden: Scattering Screen

by Alyson Shotz Thru June 2017

Carlos Merida: Selections from the Permanent Collection Thru 1/28

Jennifer Steinkamp: Selections from the Botanic Series Thru 1/8

MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART KERRVILLE

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART

SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF ART

Heaven and Hell: Salvation and Retribution In Pure Land Buddhism Thru 9/3

Seth Orion Schwaiger Complex 2 9/1-10/30

Telling Tales: Contemporary Narrative Photography 9/28-1/8 Art Matters 16: John Fraser 9/28-1/8

33rd Annual Art Sale & Exhibition 9/17 - 10/29 SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN Winged Wonders Thru 10/30

48 On The Town | September/October 2016

Highest Heaven: Spanish and Portuguese Colonial Art from the Collection of Roberta and Richard Huber Thru 9/4

Will Henry Remote Viewings 9/1-10/30 Walker Pickering Esprit de Corps 9/1-10/30

Elizabeth Chiles On My Mind, Again 9/1-10/30 WITTE MUSEUM Mapping Texas: From Frontier to the Lone Star State Thru 9/5 Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed Thru 9/5 National Geographic: Earth Explorers 9/24-1/22

Misellaneous FOTOSeptiembre San Antonio 9/1-30 Museums and galleries across the city 2016 “Bigger and Better” LaborFest San Antonio 9/2-4, Fri-Sat / 12pm-11pm Sun / 4pm-11pm Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center HemisFair Park

Echale Latino Music Festival 9/5, Mon / 12pm-6pm Pearl Brewery World Heritage Festival 9/8-11, all day Mission Park Pavilion Culinaria Food Truck Event 9/10, Sat / 12 – 6pm Freeman Coliseum Diez y Seis Celebrations 9/15-10/1, various locations www.visitsanantonio.com for details

Jazz’SAlive 9/17-18, Sat-Sun / all day Travis Park Siclovia 9/25, Sun @ 8am The Alamo Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastic Champions 10/1, Sat @ 7pm AT&T Center Zoo Boo! 10/1-30, all day San Antonio Zoo

September/October 2016 | On The Town 49

BOOtanica 10/1-29, all day San Antonio Botanical Garden Oktoberfest 10/7-15 Beethoven Maennerchor www.beethoven maennerchor.com for details Greek FUNstival 10/14-16, Fri-Sun @ 6pm St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church San Antonio Beer Festival 10/15, Sat @ 1:30pm Maverick Plaza in La Villita Trevor Noah Lost in Translation Live on Tour 10/28, Fri @ 8pm H-E-B Performance Hall At the Tobin Center Dia de los Muertos Celebrations 10/29-30 Various locations across the city www.visitsanantonio.com for details

Photo Credits Page 30 (L-R) The Spazmatics Courtesy thespazmatics. net Two Tons of Steel Courtesy twotons.com

Charlie Robison Courtesy charlierobison. com

Fei Fei Dong Courtesy concertartists.org

Duran Duran Courtesy Tobin Center

Page 40 (L-R) Emily Watkins Freudigman Courtesy cameratasa.org

Page 32 (L-R) Kenneth Freudigman Courtesy cameratasa.org

Rita Coolidge Courtesy ritacoolidge.net

Gary P. Nunn Courtesy liveatfloores.com Demi Lovato Courtesy demilovato.com Nick Jonas Courtesy demilovato.com Page 34 (L-R) David Mairs Courtesy Mid-Texas Symphony

Akiko Fujimoto Photo by Liz Garza Williams Diane Penning Photo by Annie Rouvillois Page 42 (L-R) Rodney Crowell Courtesy Tobin Center Alice in Chains Courtesy Majestic Theare Tanya Tucker Courtesy caillouxtheater. com

Page 47 (L-R) Donnie Edwards Courtesy donnyedwards. com Freddie Jackson Courtesy freddiejackson. net Page 48 (L-R) Buddy Guy Courtesy buddyguy.net Dale Watson Courtesy dalewatson.com Beach Boys Courtesy Majestic Theatre Evita Courtesy Woodlawn Theatre Page 49 (L-R) Cabaret Photo by Joan Marcus

Kraftwerk Courtesy Tobin Center

Radney Foster Courtesy radneyfoster.com

Don Quixote Photo by Alexander Devora Still Life Photography

Roger Creager Courtesy rogercreager. com

Page 44 (L-R) Garrick Ohlsson Photo by Pier Andrea Morolli

Guadalupe Dance Company Courtesy guadalupeculturalarts.org

Almost Patsy Cline Band Courtesy almostpatsyclineband.com

Patrizio Buanne Courtesy Tobin Center

April Macie Courtesy rivercentercomedyclub. com

Page 36 (L-R): Sebastian Lang-Lessing Photo by Marks Moore Pat Green Courtesy patgreen.com Page 37 (L-R) Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio © 2015 La Bella Vita Photography

50 On The Town | September/October 2016

Page 45 (L-R) Chante Moore Courtesy Tobin Center B52s Courtesy Tobin Center

Page 50 (L-R) Chris D’Elia Courtesy Tobin Center

Christine Lamprea Photo by Kate L. Photography

Damon Wayans Jr. Courtesy lolsanantonio. com

Page 46 (L-R) SOLI Chamber Ensemble Courtesy solichamberensemble.com

Lewis Black Courtesy Majestic Theatre

Julie Boulianne Photo by Julien Faugere

Trevor Noah Courtesy Tobin Center

September/October 2016 | On The Town 51

52 On The Town | September/October 2016

Culinary Arts 54-62

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54 On The Town | September/October 2016

1718 STEAKHOUSE

The Blending of Two Passions: History and Food

By Olivier J. Bourgoin, aka. Olivier the Wine Guy Photography Greg Harrison

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The reviews are nearly unanimous that this is a restaurant that steak-lovers should tr y. If you’re really hungr y, the Cowboy Steak features 22 ounces of mouthwatering bone -in ribeye to satisfy even the largest of appetites. By design, typical steak sauces, such as au Poivre or Béarnaise, which normally would be found in “At the time, we owned several restaurants in most steakhouses, are not available here. The Mexico,” Gabriela said. “One specialized in Mexican owners want the meat to shine. food, another one served Italian food, and a third “We serve only prime beef, and everything we one offered a menu of Spanish cuisine.” make is brought in fresh daily,” Gabriela said.

During that vacation they both fell in love with “ There is no walk-in cooler, and we don’t have any the Alamo City and also found out about a vacant storage so everything is very fresh. Our steaks are restaurant space downtown, which previously had brought in twice a week and never frozen.” been home to a Sushi place and a French restaurant.

Other menu items worth mentioning are the In 2011, ready for a change, the adventurous honey-infused fried chicken, roasted quail, coconut couple moved to San Antonio and opened Toscana, shrimp, pork tenderloin, lamb shank, blackened salmon, scallops and cold-water lobster tail. an Italian eatery on Houston Street. auricio Ruiz and Gabriela Guerrero grew up in Mexico. Gabriela was raised in Mexico City and Mauricio about 85 miles south of there in Cuernavaca, which is where the couple was living when they ventured to San Antonio for a vacation a few years ago.

In 2015, the Texas General Land Office purchased three historic buildings across from the Alamo from Service Life and Casualty Insurance Co. of Austin.

One of the structures, the Crockett Building at 321 Alamo Plaza, was built in 1822 and originally was known as the Alamo Hotel.

Come for the view, stay for the food – or for the cocktails, some patrons have said. Try the Cucumber Collins or one of the signature originals.

Numerous appetizers, desserts and a la carte dishes are memorable crowd favorites.

The name 1718 refers to the year during which the Mauricio and Gabriela saw an opportunity they foundation of the Alamo was laid. The restaurant couldn’t pass up. They leased a 7,000-square- employs a staff of 25 and offers seating to foot space on the third floor of the building and accommodate up to 180 guests. opened 1718 Steakhouse in late January 2016.

1718 Steakhouse “You can see the Alamo from every window in our 321 Alamo Plaza, Suite 300 dining room,” Gabriela said.

San Antonio, Texas 78205 210-377-1718 But enough history for now. Let’s talk steaks. http://www.1718steakhouse.com September/October 2016 | On The Town 55

Mi Tierra:

Celebrating 75 Years of Comida, Cultura and Familia

By: Cassandra Santos Photo courtesy of the Cortez Family 56 On The Town | September/October 2016

By

S

p r a w l i n g a l m o s t a n e n t i re c i t y b l o c k i n H i s t o r i c M a r k e t S q u a re, i t ’s h a r d t o b e l i e ve t h e c o r n e r s t o n e o f L a Fa m i l i a Co r t e z R e s t a u r a n t s, M i Ti e r r a C a fé y Pa n a d e r í a , b e g a n w i t h $ 1 5 0 a n d a q u a i n t 3 - t a b l e c a fé. A S a n A n t o n i o i c o n , M i Ti e r r a’s “ We N e v e r C l o s e” sign has welcomed hungr y guests to enjoy i t s f a m o u s fo o d a n d u n p a r a l l e l e d a m b i a n c e e v e r y d a y fo r t h e p a s t 7 5 ye a r s. Fo u n d e d b y Pe d r o Co r t e z , a M e x i c a n i m m i g r a n t w h o m o ve d t o Te x a s i n s e a rc h o f t h e A m e r i c a n D re a m , a n d h i s w i fe, C r u z Co r t e z , t h e c o u p l e’s v a l u e s o f h a r d w o r k , d e d i c a t i o n a n d a l o v e fo r L a t i n o c u l t u r e i s w h a t h a s m a d e t h e re s t a u r a n t s staples and kept this family business going s t r o n g i n t o t h e t h i rd a n d fo u r t h g e n e r a t i o n s.

W h e n Pe d ro Co r t e z f i r s t m o v e d t o S a n A n t o n i o, he worked in the butcher shop of his uncle a n d a u n t ’s g ro c e r y s t o re d e l i ve r i n g m e a t s. H i s f a v o r i t e s t o p o n h i s d e l i ve r y ro u t e w a s v i b r a n t M a r k e t S q u a re : t h e a t m o s p h e re w a s a l l t o o familiar to him, and he loved the way a walk d o w n Pr o d u c e R o w wo u l d t r a n s p o r t h i m t o t h e San Juan de Dios plaza of his hometown. In 1 9 4 1 , w h i l e o u t o n o n e o f h i s m e a t d e l i ve r i e s, Pe d r o’s e n t re p re n e u r i a l s p i r i t s e i z e d t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o t u r n h i s d re a m s i n t o a r e a l i t y a s h e t o o k u p a n i r re s i s t i b l e o f fe r. Wi t h j u s t $ 1 5 0 , Pe d ro a n d C r u z Co r t e z p u rc h a s e d a t h r e e - t a b l e c a fé a n d s t a r t e d t h e i r f a m i l y o f re s t a u r a n t s i n M a r k e t S q u a re.

Mi Tierra quickly became popular amongst the locals, and the addition of a panadería with freshly baked goodies enhanced the restaurant ’s menu and doubled its capacity. Over the years, the charming Mexican café would withstand struggles, sacrifices and doubts to evolve into the iconic restaurant it is today. Even plans proposed by the Urban Renewal Agency to destroy and reconstruct the area during the 60s could not shut down Mi Tierra thanks to Pedro’s strong political activism. He believed in the vital role Market square played for San Antonio’s Mexican culture, and his perseverance proved successful when the city decided to renovate the area instead of demolish it.

Looking to expand their legacy even fur ther, in 1979 La Familia Cor tez opened a new restaurant near Market Square called La Carreta, now known as Restaurante Pico de Gallo, a popular spot for locals to enjoy and celebrate at. The family continued to grow Pedro’s culinar y legacy when they opened La Margarita Restaurant and Oyster Bar in 1981, which today is famous for its sizzling fajitas, and again in 2015 with the new fast-casual concept, Viva Villa Taquería.

After Pedro’s passing in 1984, the family decided to honor its patriarch by continuing to operate the family business and dedicate their time to the preser vation of Latino culture in San Antonio.

As a self-made man, Pedro always looked for ways to express his gratitude to the community, D e t e r m i n e d t o m a k e h i s m a r k i n E l M e rc a d o, i n a role that his children and grandchildren have 1 9 5 1 Pe d ro p u rc h a s e d a n o t h e r e s t a b l i s h m e n t now taken on. Over the last 20 years, the Cor tez c a l l e d t h e To y o C a fé. I n f l u e n c e d b y t h e family has not only worked tirelessly to improve re v o l u t i o n a r i e s o f h i s c h i l d h o o d, s u c h a s Market Square, but also continues to suppor t the E m i l i a n o Z a p a t a , Pe d ro w a s i n s p i re d t o r e - renovation and restoration of “Zona Cultural”. n a m e t h e n o w 6 0 - t a b l e re s t a u r a n t “ M i Ti e r r a” a f t e r Z a p a t a’s f a m o u s p h r a s e, “ T h e l a n d With Pedro’s children and grandchildren at the b e l o n g s t o t h o s e w h o wo r k i t ” ( L a Ti e r r a e s helm, Mi Tierra is one of the few restaurants p a r a q u i e n l a t r a b a j a ) . H i s g o a l w a s t o c r e a t e across the countr y to be continuously run by a r e s t a u r a n t t h a t n o t o n l y s y m b o l i z e d h i s multiple generations of a single family. Pedro’s c u l t u r e, b u t a l s o t h e L a t i n o c o m m u n i t y h e legacy continues to live on through his children, n o w l i ve d i n . Fro m d a y o n e, h e n e v e r c l o s e d grandchildren and more than 600 loyal team M i Ti e r r a’s d o o r s t o c a t e r t o t h e v a r i o u s members united in being in the business of s c h e d u l e s o f t h e c o m m u n i t y s o a l l h i s g u e s t s making memories, keeping their culture alive c o u l d h a ve t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o e x p e r i e n c e t h e through family, community ser vice and the m a g i c o f M i Ti e r r a a t a ny h o u r o f t h e d a y. highest quality authentic Mexican food in town.

September/October 2016 | On The Town 57

STEP BACK IN TIME 100 YEARS AGO AT THE PARK PLAZA HOTEL SEGUIN

By Rudy Arispe Photography courtesy Park Plaza Hotel

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s t h e Pa r k P l a z a H o t e l S e g u i n p r e p a r e d to undergo a multi-million dollar refurbishment in late 2014, owner Jenny Savage stumbled upon a delightful discover y down in the basement.

d i d w h e n t h e Pa r k P l a z a f i r s t o p e n e d , w e l l , its doors in 1917.

There, hidden among the many items of old f u r n i s h i n g s , d e s k s , p o t t e r y, a n d o t h e r h o t e l equipment, were the original hotel doors that once stood tall and erect, just as they

The five-story, 30-room Park Plaza Seguin, which completed renovations earlier this spring, is a true historical treasure for locals and travelers alike to rediscover. Visitors can step back in time to a

58 On The Town | September/October 2016

“ They’re 100 years old,” Savage said. “We used them for the restroom doors.”

century ago now that the hotel has been restored t o w n , a n d i t i s m o v i n g i n t h e r i g h t d i r e c t i o n to its former youth and glory that would make its f r o m a n e c o n o m i c s t a n d p o i n t ,” s h e s a i d .

“A n d t h e s t r u c t u r e o f t h e h o t e l i s v e r y German-American architect Leo Dielmann smile. s o u n d. We d i d a l o t o f re s e a rc h b e fo re we “A t o n e t i m e o r t h e o t h e r, ( t h e h o t e l ) h a s b e e n b o u g h t i t a n d b e g a n r e f u r b i s h m e n t s .” a h o s p i t a l , d o r m i t o r y f o r Te x a s L u t h e r a n U n i v e r s i t y a n d o f f i c e s p a c e ,” S a v a g e s a i d . A l t h o u g h S u l l i v a n C o n t r a c t i n g S e r v i c e s , “ We to o k away a l l t h e wa l l s, c a r p e t a n d t a s k e d w i t h ove r h a u l i n g t h e i n f ra s t r u c t u re, dropped ceilings from renovations that and award-winning designer Kathy Anderson were done in the ‘60s and ‘80s and took it of Eklektik Interiors had their work cut b a c k to 3 0 g u e s t ro o m s. We re s to re d t h e o u t fo r t h e m , i t wa s n o t h i n g t h e y we re n’t equipped to handle. For instance, never o r i g i n a l b a l l r o o m , k i t c h e n s p a c e a n d b a r.” before had there been air- conditioning Savage, a Houston resident who purchased nor private bathrooms in the guest rooms; the property in 2012, said she did so because and there were community showers that o f t h e b o u r g e o n i n g e c o n o my t h a t t h e s m a l l re m a i n e d f ro m d a y s a s a c o l l e g e d o r m i t o r y.

Te x a s t o w n h a s b e e n e x p e r i e n c i n g a s o f l a t e . “ S e g u i n i s a f a s t - g r o w i n g m a n u f a c t u r i n g “ We p ut in b rand new b at hrooms, ne w p l u mb i n g September/October 2016 | On The Town 59

a nd cent ral h e at i ng a n d a i r co n di ti o n i ng in all The brand new, casual-dining Chop House Bar & Grille offers plenty of delectable Southern fare, the g ue s t ro o m s,” S ava ge sa i d. including certified prime beef steaks and seafood Even the original shutter doors and windows, also and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. found buried in the basement, were resurrected and given new life. “We had them refurbished, Created by executive chef Lionel Guerrero, the menu and now they are the doors for the bathroom,” she includes dinner plates ranging from Colorado Lamb added. “We also refurbished some of the windows, Rack, Honey Saffron Scented Mahi Mahi, Braised Pork which are now part of the art installation in the Shank, Lobster & Gulf Shrimp Ravioli, and filet mignon, public areas.” ribeye and New York strip, among other dishes.

Trey Pounds, vice president of Sullivan Contracting Services, said one of the biggest challenges was keeping the historic building as intact as possible.

“We wanted to preserve the integrity of both the look and structure of the hotel. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said. “When it was all done, we were very proud to have our name associated with such an important project.”

60 On The Town | September/October 2016

The hotel’s Bar 217 is open seven days a week with live country-western and blue grass guitarists performing on Friday and Saturday nights.

Since renovations were completed, the Park Plaza has seen a steady increase in reservations for business meetings in conference rooms, special events in the ballroom, and for overnight guests, many of whom

come from faraway places to rest their weary heads.

“We’ve had so many international travelers because of all the international companies who have a presence in Seguin,” Savage said. “We’ve had people from Israel, London, Germany and Chicago. And we’ve had great support from the local business community.”

Finally, one other little nugget was in store, or rather, storage, that Savage came across prior to the commencement of the hotel’s full-scale facelift.

“We found (the architect’s) original drawings at the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library at the Alamo,” she said. “So we were able to tell was his intent was for all of the hotel spaces and stayed as true to those as we could.”

For more information, visit www.parkplazaseguin. com or call (830) 584-4400.

“At one time or another, (the hotel) has been a hospital, dormitory for Texas Lutheran University and office space. We took away all the walls, carpet and dropped ceilings from renovations that were done in the ‘60s and ‘80s and took it back to 30 guest rooms. We restored the original ballroom, kitchen space and bar.”

- Jenny Savage Owner September/October 2016 | On The Town 61

62 On The Town | September/October 2016

Visual Arts 64-74

September/October 2016 | On The Town 63

64 On The Town | September/October 2016

FALL ART EXHIBITS RANGE FROM NATURE TO NARRATIVES

By Dan R. Goddard

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or the first time, the McNay Art Museum is presenting a large-scale photography exhibit, “Telling Tales: Contemporary Narrative Photography,” which surveys 17 innovative photographers from the 1970s to the present.

crafted objects are drawn from the McNay’s collection, the artist’s studio and select museum collections.

“Living and Collecting Mexico: Gifts from Susan Toomey Frost,” on view Oct. 12 to Feb. 5 at the McNay, highlights the remarkable Mexican modernist prints assembled by the San Antonio collector who lived and worked in Mexico for many years. Although the McNay is known for its comprehensive Mexican print collection, the nearly 200 works in Frost’s gifts to the museum rarely overlap, including masterful works by Alfredo Zalce and the Tlaxcalan muralist and printmaker Desiderio Hernández Xochitiotzin.

Organized by René Paul Barilleaux, chief curator and curator of art after 1945, the 50, mostly large-scale color photographs range from frozen moments of time to staged and digitally manipulated images reflecting eclectic influences such as classical painting, avantgarde cinema, science fiction illustration and Alfred Hitchcock movies. Artists include Tina Barney, PhilipLorca diCorcia, Mitch Epstein, Nan Goldin, Anna Gaskell, Lori Nix, Alex Prager and Jeff Wall. “Telling Tales” runs For Fotoseptiembre USA 2016, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is showcasing “Ansel Adams: Distance and Sept. 28 to Jan. 8, 2017.

Detail” Sept. 16 to Dec. 15. Along with the acclaimed John Fraser, known for his use of carefully selected found American photographer’s famous images, such as objects such as rulers, book pages and photographs, is Moonrise Over Hernandez (1941), the 30 photographs the focus of ARTMATTERS 16, also opening Sept. 28 at the from 1931 to 1976 provided by the Bank of America Art McNay. The Chicago native makes meditative sculptures in Our Communities program also features lesser-known and two-dimensional collages employing subtle textures architectural subjects, such as the Spanish Catholic and muted colors to create an atmosphere of depth and missions in Arizona. Ruiz-Healy Art highlights one of introspection. Spanning 25 years, Fraser’s exquisitely Mexico’s best-known photographers, acclaimed for her September/October July/August 2016 | On The Town 65

iconic images capturing the power and dignity of women, in “Graciela Iturbide: A Lens to See,” Sept. 8 to Oct. 15, drawn from the Wittliff Collections of Texas State University.

Guatemalan-born artist Carlos Mérida, whose glass mosaic mural for HemisFair ’68 has been reinstalled recently in the newly refurbished Convention Center, is surveyed through Jan. 29 at the San Antonio Museum of Art. From the museum’s permanent collection, the works include early folkloric “Images of Guatemala” (192527), the popular “Mexican Costumes” (1941) and later experiments with various forms of abstraction.

Roam some of the world’s wildest places in “National Geographic Presents: Earth Explorers” from Sept. 24 to Jan. 22 at the Witte Museum. The interactive exhibit lets visitors follow in the footsteps of the magazine’s intrepid scientists and photographers as they venture into dangerous and remote environments – including the deepest depths of the ocean, the North and South Poles, dense rain forests, mountains and caves. Take a simulated hot-air-balloon ride over migrating herds in Africa, dive in a deep-sea submersible for a close-up look at coral reefs and study polar bears and penguins from an Arctic cabin.

the Martinez Street Women’s Center were challenged to capture the essence of their community through photography and film documenting their daily lives and heritage. The girls interpreted their perspectives through poetry and videotaped their readings for playback as part of the exhibit.

Nearby in HemisFair Park, the Mexican Cultural Institute is exploring “Possible Worlds: Photography and Fiction in Mexican Contemporary Art” through Oct. 2. A Top 10 pick by the Washington Post, which described it as “full of the absurd and the apocalyptic,” the exhibit showcases nine Mexican artists influenced by film, literature, fantasy, science fiction and electronic music, including Mauricio Alejo and Daniela Edburg.

Following a front entrance renovation, the Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum hopes to re-open Oct. 6 with four exhibits including artists from the Blue Star’s national and open call this year in the Main Gallery. But the opening is “tentative” pending completion of construction.

Meanwhile, take a walk through Berlin with German-based Swedish artist Patrik Elgström in “Obstacle,” presented by the Blue Star at Trinity University’s Michael and Noemi See San Antonio’s East Side with a “Girl’s Eye View” at Neidorff Art Gallery in the Dicke Art Building Sept. 8 to Oct. the Institute of Texan Cultures through Oct. 31. A team 15. Inspired by the Blue Star’s Berlin Residency Program, of teenage girls from the GirlZone summer camp at which sends San Antonio artists to Berlin’s Kunstlerhaus 66 On The Town | September/October July/August 2016 2016

Bethanien for three-month residences, “Obstacle” is the Page 66 (L-R): result of Elgström’s residency at the KB last year.

Ansel Adams Dunes, Oceano, California, Portfolio Four: What Artists who weren’t selected for the Texas artist’s spot Majestic Word, In Memory of Russell Varian (1940-63) in Artpace’s fall residency have a chance to shine in the Printed 1963 Hudson (Show)Room Sept. 22 to Dec. 30, selected by Gelatin silver print guest curator Denise Markonish of the Massachusetts © The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust Museum of Contemporary Art. San Antonio artist Emily Briscoe Western Art Museum Fleisher, who often deals with the urban landscape, is

doing the fall Window Works.

Obstacles Bihl Haus Arts has a one-man show through Oct. 1 by Patrik Elgstrom Madrid-born artist J.D. Morera, who “paints as though he Blue Star (off-site exhibit) is dancing.” His abstract paintings are often inspired by Trinity University

the strains of flamenco, and he “paints what he hears.”

Page 67 (L-R): Ansel Adams Photo Credits: The Sierra Nevada, Winter Evening, from the Owens Valley, Portfolio Four: What Majestic Word, Page 64: In Memory of Russell Varian (1940-63) Infinite Realm of Abstraction Printed 1963 J.D. Morera Gelatin silver print Photo by artist © The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust Bihl Haus Arts Briscoe Western Art Museum Page 65: National Geographic Earth Explorers Exhibit Witte Museum

En la Hamaca from Estampas de Yucatán Alfredo Zalce, 1945. Lithograph. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Gift of Susan Toomey Frost September/October July/August 2016 | On The Town 67

68 On The Town | September/October 2016

YANAGUANA INDIAN ARTS MARKET:

A Celebration of Native Art and Culture at the Briscoe

By Jenny Chowning Photography courtesy Briscoe Western Art Museum

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he first weekend in October, the Briscoe Western Art Museum hosts its popular Yanaguana Indian Arts Market at the Museum’s beautiful campus on the banks of the River Walk. Now in its third year, the two-day event features dancing, musical performances, storytelling, artist demonstrations (glassblowing, painting, printmaking, pottery, sandpainting, and weaving), interactive art making, and Native Americaninspired food. The event runs from 10am – 4pm each day and market admission is free.

Yanaguana refers to the San Antonio river’s earliest known name, given by the Payaya people that inhabited this region. Located along that same river, the Briscoe Museum opened its doors in October 2013 with a mission to preserve and present the art and culture of the American West. Support for Native artists, their livelihood, and the integrity of their artistic process is very much a part of the Briscoe Museum’s institutional mission.

Since the inception of the Indian Market, artist participation and attendance has grown dramatically.

With the help of an Artist Selection Committee— made of up of national experts in the Native arts community—the Briscoe Museum extended invitations to artists working in diverse media: pottery, sculpture, beadwork, basketry, jewelry, carving, and painting.

Artists represent over two dozen federally recognized Tribes from various parts of the country. Our Market is held in accordance with the Indian Arts & Crafts Act, a critical piece of legislation that protects Native artists and consumers; Market attendees are assured that what they purchase is authentic and that the materials used are of the highest quality.

For this year’s Yanaguana Market, we are increasing efforts to educate the public about contemporary Native art and culture through additional programming.

The Museum has invited Dr. Adrienne Keene (Cherokee

Nation), to deliver a Distinguished Lecture on Thursday, September 29 at 6:30pm as a lead up to the weekend’s festivities. As a Native scholar, writer, blogger, and activist, she is passionate about reframing perceptions of contemporary Native cultures. She is the creator and author of Native Appropriations, a blog dedicated to issues surrounding cultural appropriation and stereotypes of Native peoples in popular culture. Her lecture will highlight some of artists participating in our Market—demonstrating the significance of patronage and support for Native artists. During the weekend, Market attendees will be able to take advantage of seminars and film screenings: Jeweler and former President of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, Shane Hendren (Navajo), will lead Turquoise 101 (a seminar designed to educate Market-goers about the highly-coveted stone). Scholar and film producer, Dr. Aimee Villarreal, and pueblo archeologist, Joseph Aguilar (San Ildefonso), will lead a film screening and discussion of the animated short Frontera! Revolt and Rebellion on the Rio Grande.

As always, the weekend’s schedule is filled with engaging activities. Crowd favorite and Grammy Awardwinner, Ty Defoe, will once again wow audiences with his Hoop Dance performance. United San Antonio Pow Wow, Inc. will showcase drumming and native dancing.

Museum tours—highlighting work by contemporary Native American artists—and interactive art making will round out the offerings.

For a complete list of participating artists and programming, visit www.BriscoeMuseum.org or call (210) 299-4499.

Yanaguana Indian Arts Market Saturday, October 1 & Sunday, October 2 10am - 4pm Briscoe Western Art Museum 210 W. Market @ Presa Street September/October 2016 | On The Town 69

FOTOSEPTIEMBRE

features new events driven by young artists

By Dan R. Goddard

70 On The Town | September/October 2016

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espite some three dozen exhibits spread around San Antonio and the Hill Country, Fotoseptiembre USA 2016 has grown smaller and more focused in its 22nd year, according to Michael Mehl, festival director. Because of Fotoseptiembre, September means a bountiful flowering of photography in San Antonio.

“We want Fotoseptiembre to be an opportunity for people to not only see what’s going on in photography locally but around the world,” Mehl said. “Our goal is to be inclusive and eclectic.”

Musical Bridges Around the World Gallery through Oct. 21 to “Kick It Old School” at the Freight Gallery and Studios Sept. 10-Oct. 1, this year’s community-based photography festival features a new generation of events driven by young artists.

Several Fotoseptiembre shows reflect a renewed sense of pride in San Antonio, and there’s a broad sampling of international work, along with diverse exhibits at local college and university art spaces, not to mention artistrun and commercial galleries.

The Photographic Society of America’s 78th International Conference and International Exhibition Sept. 13-17 at the Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk is the centerpiece of Fotoseptiembre, which also includes the Texas Photographic Society’s 29th annual members-only show Sept. 1-30 at the San Antonio Central Library.

Since 1995 Mehl and partner Ann Kinser have organized Fotoseptiembre, growing from a handful of exhibits to more than 75 by 2003. Gradually, the pair realized size wasn’t everything and decided about 30 to 40 exhibits is the most manageable. Mehl now limits himself to curating the online SAFOTO Web Galleries, which this year feature photographers from Taiwan, South Africa, Russia, Ranging from “Puro San Antonio,” which asked local Mexico and the Canary Islands. A complete calendar as photographers “what defines the soul of a city?” at the well as the Web Galleries can be found on the website, September/October 2016 | On The Town 71

fotoseptiembreusa.com.

organized real-life exhibits in the school’s galleries, including Austin artist Seth Orion Schwaiger’s “We began to realize that narratives were much “Complex 2” in the Russell Hill Rogers Gallery Sept. more important than the number of exhibits being 1-Oct. 30, which features works that change according presented,” Mehl said. “We are encouraging better to the viewer’s location. curated and organized shows. That’s why we introduced the Choice Awards three years ago, so we could “In addition to curating exhibits for the institutions recognize the curators, artists and venues doing the where they work, art educators are organizing shows best job. There’s a surge of younger artists/organizers for galleries and alternative spaces,” Mehl said. who are taking a more professional approach. We still have the big group shows, but many of the exhibits are San Antonio photographer Tom Turner, who curated more cohesively organized.”

Rebecca Drolen’s “Transplants” for Northwest Vista College’s Palmetto Center for the Arts Sept. 1-Oct. 9, Besides the Musical Bridges and Freight galleries, other also organized Joshua McDevitt’s “Orientation: Unsure” projects involving younger artists include Digital Pro at the Clamp Light Gallery Sept. 9-30. Libby Rowe, who Lab’s “This is What I Know” Aug. 26-Oct. 3 curated by worked with Scott Sherer curating “Making Fact and Melanie Rush Davis and Kemp Davis, Sarah Ann Jones’ Fiction” at the University of Texas at San Antonio Main “Throat-Song” Sept. 1-25 at El Cielo Gallery at Senisa, Art Gallery through Sept. 30, also worked with Blue and Arlene Mejorado at R Space Sept. 9-24 curated by Mitchel on “Lemniscate of Diffusion” Sept. 2-Oct. 23 Lady Base Gallery. at A Smith Gallery in Johnson City. Longtime UTSA art prof Kent Rush is showing “46 Years of Photography” “Whether it’s old-fashioned wet photography or digital, Sept. 3-Oct. 28 at REM Gallery. we’ve learned that the image is more important than the process,” Mehl said. “Even selfies can be an art form Brian St. John curated Austin artist Rama Tiru’s if they’re well done.”

“Moments/Alternate Moments” in the Louis J. Blue Library Gallery Sept. 1-25 at St. Mary’s University. He The public can participate in Fotoseptiembre by also organized San Antonian Scott Mueller’s “Nick posting photographs to the Southwest School of Art’s Bottom and the Dark Gloomy Root Vegetables” for Instagram Contest. Curator Mary Mikel Stump has Gallery 20/20 Sept. 7-30.

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San Antonio College tackles environmental issues in “Natural Visions” Sept. 8-30 in the William R. Sinkin EcoCentro. The University of the Incarnate Word has two exhibits through Sept. 30 by San Antonio photographers in the Kelso Art Center, D. Clarke Evans’ “Photographic Projects: World War II Veterans and U.S. Marines” in the Semmes Gallery and Zhifeng Han’s “Han’s Street Portraits” in the Student Gallery.

Shows with San Antonio pride include “San Antonio and Beyond: Prehistoric Rock Art to Urban Spaces and Familiar Eats” at Highwire Arts Gallery Sept. 9-Oct. 7, Wendy Bowman’s “Southtown” Sept. 1-30 at AnArte Gallery, “Estrella Studio: Posed Portraits” by Bertha Gil Rodriguez and Diana Rodriguez Gil Sept. 9-30 at Jump-Start Performance Co. and “Caras III” curated by Deborah Keller-Rihn at Centro Cultural Aztlan Sept. 16Oct. 14.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Photo Credits: Page 70: Bow Mark Greenberg Musical Bridges Around the World Gallery

Page 71: Southtown Wendy Bird Photography AnArte Gallery Page 72 (L-R) Cholas with Zapata and Villa 1986 Graciela Iturbide Ruiz-Healy Art Conversation 1986 Graciela Iturbide Ruiz-Healy Art Page 73 (L-R): Gate photograph, gelatin-silver on paper, 5.75 x 8.5 inches, ca.1983 Kent Rush REM Gallery Cactus photograph, gelatin-silver on paper, 6 x 8," ca. 1977 Kent Rush REM Gallery September/October 2016 | On The Town 73

74 On The Town | September/October 2016

Literary Arts

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Book Talk:

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Robert Flynn, Author and Professor Story and Photography by Jasmina Wellinghoff

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hristians should check their seat belts before reading this book,” wrote CDR J. Scott Blair, a Navy chaplain, in a brief commentary that appears on the jacket of Holy Literary License, the latest work by esteemed novelist and former professor Robert Flynn. “…If you are certain about how the world works and the God who created it, then you will be shocked to hear Flynn’s honest questions… His stories allow the reader the space to ask those tough questions without fear of reprisal or one’s censors shutting down the process for honest growth in both faith and knowledge…”

these trillions of light years nor how something materializes out of nothingness, but that creative energy is what we call God, the Creator. My belief in Jesus is also vital; I can’t understand that enormous God without the God Incarnate.”

What Flynn has come to understand over a lifetime of faith and writing is that “we all walk in darkness by the light of faith” and that absolute certainty is a dangerous thing. Though his book seems primarily concerned with Christians who believe that everything in the Bible is literally true and came directly from God, he says all absolute certainty in any quarters is untenable A lifelong Baptist who once wanted to be a and dangerous as it leads to a mindset that says preacher, Flynn uses his talent and experience we-are-better-than-everyone-else. People must as a story teller to analyze and describe how realize that the Bible was written by human to Bible came to be and how it should be read beings who tried to tell “God’s Story” in the limited and understood. But the book is also “a spiritual language of human experience. And the texts autobiography,” as publisher and Wings Press that many revere word for word have come to owner Bryce Milligan characterized it given us through multiple translations and sometimes that the author’s personal stories are woven in reinterpretation over a long period of time. throughout the text.

The bulk of Holy Literary License is devoted to “I wrote this book for myself. I was trying to the analysis of the literary techniques that all clarify my own beliefs,”” says Flynn who has good writers use to tell a story and engage their authored ten novels, several story collections, readers - from allegory, hyperbole and figurative documentary scripts and a memoir. “I don’t need language to elements of ambiguity, irony and a whole lot of them but some are vital. There’s a mystery. Biblical writers who had a compelling power beyond ourselves. There are universes we story to tell used all of those to communicate with don’t know about. I quote (in the book) a scientist the people they were writing for. Moreover, they (Bob Berman, Astronomy, Nov.2007) who said that were more concerned with truth than facts. There ‘space seethes with an enormous enigmatic energy is a great chapter that addresses that issue alone. and each second trillions of light years more of it Finally, we the readers of today, should realize materialize from nothingness.’ I don’t comprehend that some parts of the Holy Book were meant for a September/October 2016 | On The Town 77

particular time and a particular audience and have professor of literature and creative writing at no universal significance or predictive intentions. Trinity University where he stayed for 40 years.

Each point is illustrated with multiple examples.

And he never stopped writing. Among his many Milligan says Flynn’s writings mirror his own books are three early novels published by Knopf spiritual journey from faith with certainty to loss - North to Yesterday (1967), In the House of the of faith and finally faith regained through his Lord (1969) and The Sounds of Rescue, the Signs own creative search. “I saw the same spiritual of Hope (1970), as well as subsequent creations search; it’s a subject close to my heart,” notes San such Wanderer Springs (1987) which he cites as Antonio’s most prolific publisher. ”Growing up in one of his favorites, and The Last Klick (1994), a a milieu of certainty, you could practically believe narrative inspired by his time in Vietnam as a war that God lived in Waco, at Baylor. As we became correspondent. More recent works are Jade: The more aware of the wider world and became more Outlaw and Jade: The Law; Echoes of Glory and liberal, our vision of who God is changed. That’s Tie-Fast Country, which is also mentioned as a why (Holy literary License) is a disturbing book. favorite. A number of these books deal with Texas It will make people think about the Biblical text.” themes, the cowboy lore, rural and small town life and religious subjects. Though he is often As fascinating as his literary analysis is, Flynn’s referred to as a Western writer, he disagrees with ability to interlace his insights and explanations that label since his approach to so-called Western with his own life story makes the narrative more themes departs from the classical Western genre vivid. “Bob is a raconteur who can tell a personal in important ways. story, have it bleed into a spiritual discourse and merge into a political commentary, and it all In addition to License, Wings Press also published comes out together beautifully,” says Milligan. two earlier non-fiction books: Lawful Abuse: How Indeed. Later in the book, Flynn casts a critical eye the Century of the Child Became the Century of the on our supposedly Christian culture that covets Corporation and Burying the Farm: A Memoir of money and possessions, allows corporations to Chillicothe, Texas. Both his fiction and non-fiction get away with harmful practices, launches wars have won recognition and awards. In 1998, Flynn and tolerates huge injustices. “ They missed the was honored with the Distinguished Achievement point of Christianity,” he says wryly.

Award from the Texas Institute of Letters.

Raised on a farm near the small Texas town of Chillicothe, as a young man Flynn thought he was called to become a pastor and studied religion at Baylor. He dropped out of school in 1950 to enlist in the Marines because he wanted to fight the Communists (in Korea) and protect America and Christianity, which, he says, were pretty much the same in his mind. Two years later, the young man returned to Baylor, having never set foot on Korean soil. Married to Jean, who also became a writer, he enrolled in the Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth but did not stay long. It became obvious to him that he preferred writing sermons than delivering them and from there on he pursued a different career path. Writing brought with it a sense of discovery and an escape from daily life. “When I am writing I am in a different world. I am not in the now. I needed that,” says the author. In 1963, Flynn became a 78 On The Town | September/October 2016

What he reveals about his personal life in License is sometimes amusing, sometimes educational and sometimes painfully sad. Among the latter are the loss of his 12-year-old daughter who died of encephalitis and the more recent death of his wife following a car accident. “I grew up with the notion that belief in God is like an insurance policy,” he observes. But, there’s no such thing.

Believers often suffer as much as nonbelievers.

Though the pain is still with him, the experiences have not affected Flynn’s faith in God’s loving purpose. God’s purpose is a long-term purpose, he says.

What advice would he give people who would like to study the Bible more closely?

“Read it for the questions, not the answers. It’s not an answer book,” he says.

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Eclectics 82-90

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Artistic Destination:

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BATTLE FOR TEXAS GIVES ALAMO STORY NEW LIFE

By Julie Catalano Photography courtesy The Gold Group

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ust when you thought there wasn't one more thing to learn about the “Shrine of Texas Liberty,” along comes an impressive new attraction in the Alamo City that's telling a very old story in a bold new way.

Battle for Texas: The Experience opened this year in downtown San Antonio, offering visitors state-of-the art displays and an innovative multimedia environment, taking Texas history lovers and Alamo enthusiasts through those 13 fateful days in March 1836. Open seven days a week, it's located in the basement of the old Joske's department store building inside the Shops at Rivercenter. Most important, the 22,000-square-foot exhibit features a collection of artifacts that must be seen to be believed.

whose clients include the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C., and the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, among others.

Austin collector and artifact dealer Alex McDuffie assembled a knockout selection of artifacts based on his knowledge of collectors around the country and who had what—Davy Crockett's long knife, Juan Seguin's holster, Alamo commander (before William B. Travis) James Clinton Neill's Bowie knife, Gen. Sam Houston's sword, and an especially compelling grouping of Santa Anna's personal effects. “Alex then approached many of the collectors and they very generously provided parts of their collection for our story,” Gold said.

The story, Gold noted, was paramount and formed the foundation for the physical layout of the “experience.”

“We have more than 250 pieces, all of which are on display together for the first time, and many of which have never been seen before,” said Joe Gold, principal of The Gold Working with BASE Entertainment, a live entertainment Group (TGG), a marketing, production and entertainment company out of Houston, the goal was to connect visitors resource headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, “intellectually, physically and emotionally with the September/October 2016 | On The Town 83

defenders” during the battle. But rather than plunging the visitor right into the climactic battle, they walk them through the everyday lives of early Texas settlers and the growing tensions leading up to the Texas Revolution using a series of 11 galleries. A self-guided audio tour may be purchased in advance when buying tickets or on-site during a visit.

through the sensory experience. “Even though it's a big space we wanted it to be a very personal experience to the guest,” Gold said. The rental audio tour and all the signs are bilingual in English and Spanish.

As the fateful battle ensues, rattling walls and the smell of gunpowder—along with the chilling sounds of soldiers on the roof and coming over the walls of “The creative team of historians, curators and theme- the mission—fill visitors with both excitement and park people built on the story we wanted to tell, dread. The sounds of gunshots from specific weapons starting from the Comanches to Spanish rule, then are recreated as the battle literally closes in as visitors Mexican rule and so on,” Gold said. “Once we had the walk through hallways with nowhere to turn. storyline, which is told from the point of view of both the defenders and the Mexican army, then we went The journey concludes with a three-minute looking for the artifacts to help tell that story.” inspirational film on 12 giant synchronized monitors, showcasing the famous figures and historical events of The indisputable centerpiece of an amazing collection an independent Texas. is the dramatic Santa Anna tent, with the Mexican general's presidential sword and scabbard, sash But Gold insists that the story is far from over. “The pistol, bed, and other military items that he had in his Alamo gave rise to a sense of pride in Texas,” he said. possession when he surrendered and was captured by “Texas is the only state in the United States that was a Texian forces at the Battle of San Jacinto. “When I first foreign country, and we wanted to tell that story going saw it I said, this can't be real,” Gold said. The uniforms back to 1836. That battle gave rise to “Remember the are surprisingly pristine, at least on the outside, but Alamo,” that we're going to succeed, we're Texans, and inside, the sweat stains and dirt can be seen. we can do anything. The Alamo wasn't the end of the story. It was the beginning.”

Background sound effects and atmospheric music tracks change from gallery to gallery as visitors move For more info: battlefortexas.com, 800-514-3849.

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Lindsey and Suzan Lambillotte

SISTER ACT:

SAN ANTONIO DESIGN TEAM PRODUCES CLOTHING LINE

By Rudy Arispe Photography courtesy Lambillotte Collection

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s children, siblings Suzan and Lindsey Lambillotte spent summers at their grandparents’ Ohio home, where they had an arts-and-crafts room with a nearby flower garden at their disposal. Their surroundings offered endless opportunities to explore their creative sides.

“I would take grocery bags and cut them into dress

shapes,” Lindsey, 35, recalled. “Our grandmother would give us flowers from the garden, and I would stitch the petals onto them. As I got older, I would sew clothes here and there. But I didn’t know I was going to be a fashion designer one day.”

Little did the sisters know those early days of whimsical, paper cut-out couture would later serve as the fabric of September/October July/August 2016 | On The Town 87

their clothing line, Lambillotte, which the two Lee High School graduates launched in 2013.

Lambillotte is a women’s boutique line of dresses and separates sold in San Antonio and select stores in New York, California, Washington, Connecticut, Florida and the United Kingdom.

“We work with all-natural fibers, which makes our brand sustainable,” Suzan, 33, said. “We design all of our prints which set us apart from other brands and give us our identity. We’re made in the USA, and we produce locally and in New York City. So you can feel good when you purchase and wear our clothes.”

The tropical-themed “resort” is Lambillotte’s current collection available for purchase.

“The overall mood is what distinguishes Lambillotte from other lines; the exclusive prints designed by Lindsey truly set the artistic tone of the brand,”Suzan said. “ The garments are for the collector of special things. She is stylish and wants everything she has to have meaning. Our focus on natural, breathable fabrics and flowing, oversized bodies evoke the mantra that ‘It’s always summer somewhere.’ ” The designer has a specific woman in mind while she’s sketching the Lambillotte collection. “She is 30 to 50, travels, likes eclectic things, and pieces she can collect and keep forever,” Lindsey said.

Years before the Lambillotte sisters launched their clothing line, they occasionally discussed the idea of one day working together in some capacity although they didn’t yet know what it would be. Today, Lindsey, who graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in apparel manufacturing and design with a minor in art, handles design. Suzan, who studied business at the University of Oklahoma, oversees the administrative side of the business, including client relations, accounting and financials. She graduated in 2005 with a degree in Spanish and anthropology.

Recently, Suzan stepped down as executive director of the San Antonio International Piano Competition, a nonprofit organization, to focus full time on the sister-owned clothing line. She is also co-director of the San Antonio chapter of Fashion Group International, a professional organization based in New York that offers educational workshops, events and networking opportunities.

After graduating from Texas Tech, Lindsey began building 88 On The Town | September/October 2016

her portfolio through freelance design work for Ralph Lauren, Coach and The Gap. “It’s always nice to meet and work with other creative people,” she said. “But nothing can prepare you for creating your own line because you’re developing your own aesthetic.”

After launching Lambillotte in 2013, the clothing line was picked up by Anthropologie, an international retailer selling specialty women’s wear and home wares. “We’ve been working with them for two years,” Suzan said. “It’s great exposure for our brand.”

Looking back at her early attempts at stitching apparel from paper bags and flower petals, Lindsey said she has come a long way since then, and today her selection of fabrics is durable and sustainable.

“When you’re going through the sprinkler, paper bikinis do not hold up,” she said with a laugh.

For more information, visit www.lambillotte.com or call 210-663-8290.

“The overall mood is what distinguishes Lambillotte from other lines; the exclusive prints designed by Lindsey truly set the artistic tone of the brand.”

- Suzan Lambillotte The designer has a specific woman in mind while she’s sketching the Lambillotte collection. “She is 30 to 50, travels, likes eclectic things, and pieces she can collect and keep forever.”

- Lindsey Lambillotte Note: Fashions shown are from the Lambillotte Resort Collection

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